Loughran on write lines for latest award

HARRY LOUGHRAN thought that his quota of awards for 2017 at club and county level was complete when he won Tyrone and Ulster club intermediate championship medals with Moy Tir na nÓg.

But now that he has just taken delivery of the Quinn Building Products Ulster GAA Writers Association November monthly award, he is even more deter- mined to see his club go on to claim All-Ireland glory in the New Year.

Loughran sees his writers’ accolade as the perfect Christmas present and a further spur in advance of the eagerly-awaited January 21 semi-final against Kerry and Munster champions An Ghaeltacht.

His stunning scoring exploits, blistering pace and creative flair have brought Loughran to prominence this year following a long lay-off through injury, and not only is he making up for lost time at club level but he is poised to make a big breakthrough in the inter-county sector.

“Mickey Harte has been very patient with me and now I am looking forward to getting a few games in the McKenna Cup, as well of course as helping Moy to make it into the All-Ireland final,” says Loughran, a teacher in St Jarlath’s PS Blackwatertown.

“I can’t believe the turnaround in my fortunes. My late grandfather Harry Loughran played for Armagh against Down in an Ulster final and my uncle also played with Armagh.”

Loughran, whose heroics had much to do with Moy’s surge into the last four of the All-Ireland series, is looking forward to the festive break but is aware that manager Gavin McGilly will have everyone focussed for the clash with An Ghaeltacht.

“Although I’m looking forward to Christmas I have a notion we might just find ourselves out on the training ground,” he smiles. Winning ways: Harry Loughran with his GAA Writers’ award along with girlfriend Sharon Carberry